Instrumentation and Control Systems Technician

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for implementing, maintaining and supporting the automation & process control infrastructure for water and wastewater systems. Assist in creating and reviewing engineering plans, designs, monitoring, building commissioning and operation of automation & process control systems. Understand and apply new technological systems and multiple vendor products to develop and support innovative system solutions that match operational and business requirements. Assist in the development of standards, practices and policies related to the installation, maintenance and operations of automation & process control systems. Develop, deploy and maintain standard and custom programming and configuration code for the automation & process control systems. Provide first level support for maintaining and troubleshooting the automation & process control infrastructure, which includes on call as well as on site when required. Manage automation & process control system projects as required. Perform quality assurance checks of automation & process control systems as required. Assist with the maintenance and integration of computerized maintenance management systems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Assist in developing programming and configuration code for process control systems, make changes to existing programs, review work performed by contractors, participate in factory witness testing, and coordinate control system issues between District Engineering, the contractor, and District Operations.
• Assist in review of control logic strategies and implement programming changes to optimize control strategies for water/wastewater supply, distribution, treatment and collection processes and automate as appropriate.
• Maintain security protocols, firewalls and access for field and operator Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) access for field devices in conjunction with the District's Information Technology department. Provide virus and malicious software protection, and intrusion alert systems with the support of the District's Information Technology department.
• Work collaboratively with District Engineering and Information Technology staff to support, maintain, and add to the District's Computer Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and SCADA system.
• Responds to emergencies as directed. Serves on-call, as assigned.
• Perform and/or coordinate maintenance activities on process control equipment and/or systems.
• Perform upgrades and provide replacement of hardware and software.
• Troubleshoot and resolve process control system issues.
• Investigate and recommend new technological developments and processes to hardware and software platforms.
• Research, recommend and implement systems to enhance control systems functionality and reliability.
• Assist District Maintenance and Operations staff on proper operation and maintenance of Process Control equipment and systems. Provide technical instruction as required.
• Work with maintenance and operations staff to implement policies, standards, practices and guidelines for all phases of process control implementation, operation and maintenance.
• Work with members of District Staff to enforce compliance with mandatory process control policies and procedures.
• Make recommendations to change standards and methods to improve processes and efficiencies.
• Provide support for Electrical Technicians as required.
• Ensure compliance with the Change Management process.
• Enforce process control system life cycle practices.
• Maintain relationship with Process Control vendors to keep current with changes in operational control systems.
• Review vendor specifications, report findings and make recommendations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Manager of Maintenance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Associates degree in related field plus three (3) years related experience. Minimum of three (3) years of experience in in the maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, repair and installation of Process Control Systems (SCADA and DCS), configuration and programming of PLCs / RTUs (Allen - Bradley, Modicon, Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Emerson) and HMIs (Iconics, Intellution (iFix), Wonderware), control and instrumentation loops.or other related experience that provides the requisite skills and knowledge. Significant additional experience and/or certifications or other education and training may be substituted for formal education.

Able to obtain a Control Systems Technician Certificate, Level I (CCST) within 24 months of placement.

Must have a valid driver's license.

As part of the screening process, applicants will be required to take a written examination. Candidates must pass the written exam to be considered further for point evaluation by supervision.

SPECIAL PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with data communications systems, protocols, wired and wireless network systems, and radio telemetry.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of Piping and Instrumentation (P&ID) drawings, control system drawings, instrument specifications and feedback loop diagrams.
• Working knowledge of industrial control system platforms including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) / Distributed Control System (DCS) / Human Machine Interface (HMI) programming, design, construction, commissioning, configuration and implementation.
• Knowledge of process computers and data collection methods.
• Understanding of computer networking technology, telemetry methods and historical archiving databases.
• Knowledge of project management and application development methodologies and tools.
• Knowledge of business applications, Microsoft Office products and productivity tools (e.g. MS Word, MS Project, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio).
• Demonstrative knowledge of engineering concepts and their application in water/wastewater equipment and systems operations preferred.
• Working knowledge of electrical, electronic, computer, communication, mechanical and instrumentation process control equipment and systems.
• Knowledge of security camera design, installation, programming and maintenance.
• Knowledge of card access design, installation, programming and maintenance.
• Knowledge of building management systems including but not limited to Schneider applications, for control of fire systems, HVAC, mechanical systems, lighting and security systems.
• Demonstrated ability to configure programmable process controllers Programmable Logic Controllers / Remote Terminal Units (Allen Bradley, Modicon, Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Emerson)
• Demonstrated ability to configure HMI with Iconics, Intellution (iFix), or Wonderware.
• Ability to develop Process Control Functional descriptions.
• Demonstrated ability to solve process control problems related to water/wastewater systems.
• Proficient with data communications systems, protocols, wired and wireless network systems, and radio telemetry.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail.
• Good verbal and written communications skills, including presentation capabilities and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly.
• Rapidly assesses options and likely consequences when under time pressure to make decisions or solve problems.
• Knowledge of Computer Maintenance Management Systems and applications working in SAP Enterprise Asset Management Suite.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert moderate physical effort that involves lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (under 50 pounds).

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual and/or auditory cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are performed primarily outdoors, frequently exposed to any or all of the following: various weather conditions, high or deep dangerous places, working near moving mechanical parts, risk of electric shock, vibration, fumes, airborne particles, chemicals, etc.

The Metropolitan District Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Commission will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.